1.6 Services

Over the course of the semester, we’ll use a number of web-based services. Each of these will require you to create an account with a username and password. GitHub will require you to enable two-factor authentication as well. I strongly recommend using a password manager.

1.6.1 Zoom

We may use Zoom for some course meetings this semester. You must use Zoom with your SLU account (as opposed to a personal account you may have), and can access Zoom via mySLU. Meeting information is available on Canvas, as are tips for using Zoom successfully.

1.6.2 GitHub

The majority of course content (sample code, documentation, and assignments) for this course will be made available using GitHub. GitHub is a website used by programmers, data analysts, and researchers to share computer code and projects. GitHub will also be used for assignment submission and feedback. In addition to providing us with platform for hosting course content, using GitHub will give you experience in some of the techniques that researchers use to conduct both open-source and collaborative research. GitHub is free to use but does have some premium features, which students can access for free through their Student Developer program. As I noted above, these premium features are not required for this course but are worth knowing about if you decide to continue using GitHub.

1.6.3 ArcGIS Online

In addition to using the software described below, we’ll spend some time using ArcGIS Online. This is web-based GIS platform that facilitates interactive mapping and the StoryMap tools you will be using for your final project. It can be used on both macOS and Windows computers, and I will facilitate free access to the platform. Please do not purchase access to ArcGIS Online!